(Reuters) - Shoe-maker Skechers USA Inc (SKX.N) said it signed a retail licensing agreement with footwear retailer Shuz 4 U Ltd to open and operate Skechers-branded retail stores throughout Ireland.

Skechers

Under the terms, Shuz 4 U will open its first two Skechers-branded retail stores in Dublin and Cork City by the end of 2010, the company said.

The licensing partnership would allow the company to expands its retail foothold and build on the wholesale business it presently has in Ireland and the UK, President Michael Greenberg said in a statement.

The company, whose rivals include Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK.O) and Timberland Co (TBL.N), said there are plans to roll out additional stores across Ireland over the next five years.

Shares of the Manhattan Beach, California-based Skechers were up 3 percent at $37.80 in Thursday (10 June) morning trade on the New York Exchange. (Reporting by Shobhana Chadha in Bangalore; Editing by Jarshad Kakkrakandy)